Key Difference – Artist vs Artisan
The words artist and artisan are often very confusing for most people although there is a key difference between the two words. An artist is a person who performs any of the creative arts. This can range from painting to music. An artisan, on the other hand, is a skilled worker who makes things by hand. The mere definition of the two words can be rather confusing because both involve the creation of something. The key difference is that while the product or output of an artisan has a clear functional value, this may not be the cased for an artist. The output can be an expression of the beauty of art itself without having any functional value. Through this article, let us examine the differences between an artist and an artisan.
Who is an Artist?
An artist is a person who performs any of the creative arts. This captures all forms of art. For an example, a person who paints can be referred to as an artist. In the modern world, the term artist is also used for musicians as well. This is why people often tend to hear the words ‘young artist,’ through media to refer to emerging musicians. Here it is important to highlight that the term artist is not only attributed for those who create art as an occupation, but also for those who are skilled in a particular activity such as drawing, designing, composing, etc.
The specialty of an artist is that he is able to create art for the sake of art itself without needing any ulterior motives. Some artists create their works of art for the satisfaction of the society in which they live. In this case, they have to confine to the societal demands and limitations. However, there are also others who go beyond the social restrictions and create art for the pleasure of creating. It is believed that through art the artist can create a change in society. This is because art appeals to all senses of people.
Who is an Artisan?
An artisan is a skilled worker who makes things by hand. This includes various objects ranging from jewellery to furniture. An artisan should not be confused with an artist because there is a clear difference in the things that they create. An artisan is able to produce something that has a functional value; although it should not be limited to its use value alone. However, it must be stressed that there are cases where the objects created by an artisan has only decorative value.
Most artisans have the skill of adding aesthetic value to the objects that they create. This transcends the object from a mere object of utility. This is why most handmade objects are much more expensive than mass-produced objects.
What is the difference between Artist and Artisan?
Definitions of Artist and Artisan:
Artist: An artist is a person who performs any of the creative arts.
Artisan: An artisan is a skilled worker who makes things by hand.
Characteristics of Artist and Artisan:
Artistic Value:
Artist: The object has a clear artistic value.
Artisan: The object has an artistic value.
Functional Value:
Artist: The object has no functional value.
Artisan: The object has a functional value.
Object:
Artist: The object has a lot of aesthetic value and is appreciated for this quality as it pleases the individual.
Artisan: The object though utilitarian has certain aesthetic attributes to it.
Image Courtesy:
1. Erik Jones artist in Brooklyn, NY studio By Mpalafox81 [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Artisan (14391762347) By Rossana Ferreira from Viana do Castelo, Portugal (Artisan) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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